"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah." - Mark 8:29 NIV

When was the last time you risked something when you stepped out in faith? Maybe it was when you took a chance on a business venture or uttered the words, "I love you," for the first time. Maybe when you brought up a challenging conversation with an employer. Some find it easy to take these faith-filled steps while others are paralyzed by the pressure. Either way, often the only way forward in life is to take the step of faith.

Peter found himself in this situation when Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do you say I am?" Jesus hadn't forgotten who he was. He didn't need to be reminded of his name. Rather, he wanted them to step out in faith and boldly share who they believed he was. They had seen Jesus heal and teach, calm waters, and care for hurting people. Could he be the Messiah? was undoubtedly a question they had asked themselves, maybe even discussing it together, but Jesus wanted them to actually say it to him. It was Peter who had the courage and faith to speak what he had come to believe. So now he is remembered by his faith, while we don't know anything about what the others said at that point. As the proverb goes, "Fortune favors the bold." So, where is God called you to step out in faith? In what is he inviting you to risk a bit?

Let me say a little prayer for us: God, you are in control. Help me believe that and to step out in faith. We praise in your precious name, Amen!

"Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." - Mark 2:17 NIV

Can you imagine a hospital filled with people who don't need a doctor? A man in a stretcher alleging he can walk fine and doesn't need help. A young boy with a broken arm assuring a nurse that he doesn't need any help. These scenarios are pretty much unbelievable, but we don't feel the same way when imagining a church of people who think they're doing well and functionally don't need the Great Physician. That's much easier to believe. How tragic.

Early in his ministry, Jesus makes sure all who are listening understand that the whole reason he came was to heal and help--to rescue. That means two things. First, our relationship with God can't be based on our goodness but on confession of our need for Jesus. Any other was is laughable, like the sick man in the hospital pretending he's just fine. Second, followers of Jesus are called to build hospitals, not castles. Just like Jesus, we should seek out those who are in need, rather than protect ourselves from those who might have "issues." After all, every one of us needs the Great Physician; no one is beyond their need for Jesus.

Let me pray for us, Father, I confess my need for you again today. Jesus, I am just as in need of you now as I was ten years ago. Spirit of God, help me to love the sick around me like you love them. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

"Here is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." - Galatians 3:28 NIV

One of the first questions we tend to ask someone we just meet is, "What is it that you do?" By "do," we mean what they do for work. The answer to the question, whether we admit it or not, determines what we think of them. If they reply, "I'm a doctor," our respect goes way up and we may even feel a bit insecure. It's easy for this harmless question to slip into a search for status. When someone has more education or a better job, we become insecure about our status. If someone has a wider network, we're left wondering about our status.

Paul, writing to the Galatians, dismantles the major status symbols and positions of his day. For him, a slave is on the same level as a free person. A Jew is on the same level as a Gentile. A woman is on the same level as a man. No one is above and no one is below. This is the case because before Christ we all were in a desperate situation, and in Christ we have been given more than we could ask or imagine. For Paul, the ultimate status symbol is not a new car or a great job, but the cross.

Let me pray for us: God, help me to believe that the only thing I need for significance is you. Keep me from insecurity and pride. Remind me of who I am in you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message." - John 17:20 NIV

What do you think of when you hear the word legacy? Do you think about money? Or some family values passed down through generations? Jesus prayed the ultimate "legacy" prayer as the cross got closer. In that prayer he didn't just pray for himself, though he was in the midst of crisis. He didn't even pray for his friends and followers, though they would soon face crisis. Toward the end of Jesus' earthly life, he prayed for us. That is amazing. You. Me. The person in your small group who always shows up late. Everyone. Jesus, in one of his last moments on earth, though about us!

What would it look like for you to think two or three generations beyond you? How might that affect your life? When you think about that, you start getting a vision for leaving a legacy, and you're closer to having the "mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Let me pray for us: God, give me a vision for my life that is bigger than me. I pray for a vision for my future that is even bigger than I can imagine; a God-sized vision. Help me to think about the legacy I am passing down. I desire it to be one that honors you. Please give me strength. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. Thank you and God Bless!

"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one." - John 17:22 NIV

Have you ever been asked to do something, maybe a particular job at work or an essay in a class, without the proper resources or training to accomplish the goal? If so, what was the result? More often than not, it's suboptimal. When it comes to Christian unity, Jesus has thankfully not left us under resourced! In the above verse, Jesus describes Christian unity as a reachable goal. Not because we're really talented or incredibly friendly. Nope. From Jesus' perspective, Christian unity is possible because he's given us his glory, which is God's very presence in the life of his believers. The presence of God in the followers of Christ brings real and lasting Christian unity. In a way, this is encouraging. Jesus hasn't left us to figure it out. He's given us a helper, his Holy Spirit. But, in another way, this means we have to work at it. Unity doesn't come naturally; we have to yield to others and the Holy Spirit. We have to lay down our agendas. If we really want the unity that Christ has prayed we would experience, we have to keep in step with the Spirit, saying daily, "Not my will, but yours." That is key, not my will, but yours. Let me pray for us: God, I confess I need you. Specifically, I need your Holy Spirit in my life. I want to see you work. I want to grow as a man or woman. For that I need your presence. Please give me your strength today. In your name we pray. Amen! Thank you and God Bless!

I really do appreciate you listening and if you like what you hear, please rate and review on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen. If you would like to help support my podcast, please subscribe so you can get notified when a new episode is available each Sunday. Check out and like my Facebook page at William’s Devotional Podcast to connect with me and my episodes will be listed there as well. You can also email me at [email protected]. Thank you again and God bless!

"Your kingdom come, your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:10 NIVA

In the ancient world, a kingdom was a place where the values and way of life that the king desired were put into practice. As you can imagine, this could be good or bad depending on the king, Jesus is the ultimate good King. Throughout the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), he heals the sick; includes the social, spiritual, and racial outcasts into his family; and ultimately makes a public spectacle of the world's power by triumphing over it through death. The kingdom of Jesus is like no other. As we align ourselves with this God who is both beyond and near, we must take up the cause of his kingdom. This can be hard. Within each of us is a little ruler that, left alone, would set up a kingdom that runs according to our basic desires and wants. As we learn to pray like Jesus, we must lay down our kingdoms and take up his kingdom mission. This doesn't mean that everyone becomes a pastor. It doesn't mean that we have to live at the church. It does mean that we, like Jesus, should have a heart for the outcast and vulnerable. It does mean we should familiarize ourselves with sacrifice. And it does mean that we should make Jesus our first allegiance - in all areas of life. Let me say a prayer for us all: God, give me strength to live for your kingdom. Give me your power to love my family, my coworkers, and my neighbors. Help me to desire your kingdom!

I really do appreciate you listening and if you like what you hear, please rate and review on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen. If you would like to help support my podcast, please subscribe so you can get notified when a new episode is available each Sunday. Check out and like my Facebook page at William’s Devotional Podcast to connect with me and my episodes will be listed there as well. You can also email me at [email protected]. Thank you again and God bless!

Exciting news, the podcast will be coming to YouTube! The channel name is @WilliamsDevotional and the podcast will also be available on YouTube. More details to come but please Subscribe and listen there.

"But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten." - Exodus 18:21 NLT

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." - Proverbs 31:10 NIV

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." - Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us Hi precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge." - 2 Peter 1:3-5

"Fire tests the purity of silver and god, but a person is tested by being praised." - Proverbs 27:21 NLT

A virtue is a characteristic that you can use to glorify God and for the benefit of other people. Godly virtues are shaped by the Spirit in our lives. It becomes visible in our lives through our kindness, servitude, humility and gentleness. Virtues men and women are living blessings to others in the community. They draw people to the Lord like a moth to a flame. Their faithfulness to Him and their loyalty to others inspire people to live good lives. Thank you and God Bless!

I really do appreciate you listening and if you like what you hear, please rate and review on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen. If you would like to help support my podcast, please subscribe so you can get notified when a new episode is available each Sunday. Check out and like my Facebook page at William’s Devotional Podcast to connect with me and my episodes will be listed there as well. You can also email me at [email protected]. Thank you again and God bless!

"Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection." - Proverbs 30:5 NLT

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." - Mark 11:24 NIV

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me." - John 14:1 ESV

"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy." - 1 Timothy 6:17 NKJV

"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Surely the low born are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath." - Psalm 62:8-9

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13 NLT

"Put your trust in the Lord." - Psalm 4:5 NKJV

I set my heart on it! Have you heard this saying before? It means that someone puts their trust and hope in a certain thing. Well, before you set your heart on anything, you need to first focus it on God. He is the Source of your trust. He is the origin of all goodness. To trust Him with the detail of your life, is to make the best decision ever! Please Like and Share. Thank you and God Bless!

I really do appreciate you listening and if you like what you hear, please rate and review on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen. If you would like to help support my podcast, please subscribe so you can get notified when a new episode is available each Sunday. Check out and like my Facebook page at William’s Devotional Podcast to connect with me and my episodes will be listed there as well. You can also email me at [email protected]. Thank you again and God bless!

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." - Romans 12:3 NKJV

"Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest." - Hebrews 3:1 NIV

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." - Philippians 4:8 NIV

"What is man You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him?" - Psalm 8:4 ESV

"As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in His thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay." - Psalm 40:17

A verse given to me on a Christmas card from a very close and dear friend, is most fitting for this message. The verse is from Isiah 9:6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This verse was written about 800 years before the birth of Christ. How amazing is God! May you all have a blessed and safe Christmas and remember we celebrate Jesus' birth on this day. Thank you and God Bless!

I really do appreciate you listening and if you like what you hear, please rate and review on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen. If you would like to help support my podcast, please subscribe so you can get notified when a new episode is available each Sunday. Check out and like my Facebook page at William’s Devotional Podcast to connect with me and my episodes will be listed there as well. You can also email me at [email protected]. Thank you again and God bless!

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." - Romans 8:18 NKJV

"This is why it is said: "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:14-16 NIV

"Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!" - 1 Chronicles 16:10-11 ESV

"Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT

"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." - Hebrews 4:16 NIV

"Times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord." - Acts 3:20 NLT

Time, among other things, is divided up into 24-hour time zones. There are 86,400 seconds in a day. How we use our time depends on ourselves. None of us are passive victims of time. We can choose what we think, feel and how we live within our 24-hour time zone that God has given us. We can and should live with hearts filled with Him, otherwise time will not be kind to us. Thank you and God bless!

I really do appreciate you listening and if you like what you hear, please rate and review on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen. If you would like to help support my podcast, please subscribe so you can get notified when a new episode is available each Sunday. Check out and like my Facebook page at William’s Devotional Podcast to connect with me and my episodes will be listed there as well. You can also email me at [email protected]. Thank you again and God bless!